Question

Many athletes and entertainers use nervous energy to benefit their craft. They make a distinction between"" good nerves"" and ""bad nerves."" What do they mean by this distinction? How does this same distinction apply to public speakers?

Answer 1

The distinction between "good nerves" and "bad nerves" corresponds to the positive or negative impact of arousal on performance, where good nerves enhance concentration and bad nerves result in anxiety that can impair performance. This concept also applies to public speaking, where the right level of arousal can lead to an effective speech, while too much stress can be detrimental.

Step-by-step explanation:

Athletes and entertainers often refer to "good nerves" and "bad nerves" to distinguish between the helpful and harmful types of nervous energy they experience. "Good nerves" describes the adrenaline rush or heightened alertness before performing, which can enhance concentration and improve performance. Conversely, "bad nerves" denote the anxiety and stress that can impede performance by causing distraction or overwhelming emotions.

In the context of public speaking, this distinction applies similarly. A moderate level of arousal, or good nerves, stimulates the sympathetic nervous system in a way that can boost focus and engagement, leading to an effective speech. However, excessive stress can induce bad nerves and result in overpowering anxiety, manifesting in negative physical and mental symptoms that detract from the speaker's ability to deliver their message clearly.

The Yerkes-Dodson law suggests that moderate arousal yields the best performance, indicating the importance of finding the optimal level of nervous energy, whether in sports, entertainment, or public speaking.